I LAY AWAKE

in the early morning dark, when sleep escapes and my mind wanders. I sense your Presence in the dark, Lord. I know we are together. My prayer is like that of David in ancient days, “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”[1]

When first you first began the works of Creation, you say you were there in the darkness, “hovering over the waters.” I believe this to be true. My choice. My reassurance. My reason for this? In my dark times, you have always been there, “hovering.”[2] Even though I could not see you, I knew.

 

AND YOU ARE PRESENT

with one who is reading this now, wrestling with you in their dark, facing what seems to be the tallest mountain ever on their journey, unsure whether to try making the climb or simply to give up. Help us all to know again what so many of us have forgotten. You never leave us alone in the dark. Never. True, we get this intellectually. We get that you say you will not forsake those you love and who love you. But let’s face it. There are moments while groping in our dark, you really are hard to find.

Hard for the wife whose husband is not responding post-op as he should. Hard for the husband watching his wife prepare to ‘cross over,’ exchanging her address from the family home they have built together here for a heavenly one there. Hard for the mother holding her newborn in her arms, seeing through tears this dreamed-about child breathe a final goodbye before really getting to say hello.

Here in the dark is hard.

And yet even in disappointment, heartache, or great loss, “walking through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”[3] Am I making any sense, Lord?

 

THIS MORNING

I feel your peace and comfort. I rest in your Strength and Truth. I wait here in the dark with you. And while I wait, this is what I ask. Make my mind clear and creative again today, filled with your wisdom as I await the dawn. Help me speak words of encouragement and hope to others today, still standing in their dark. Let my heart be strong for you, and my hands ready to serve you. Guide my feet today.

Yes, when the morning dawns and Light overcomes dark once again, “Make me know the way I should go.” Amen.

May Jesus keep us close.

 

 

 

 

[1] Psalm 143:8 ESV

[2] Genesis 1:3 NIV

[3] Psalm 23:4 NIV